Vacation Apartments 1,2&3 Bedrooms Apt.

  7 miles from the City of Montego Bay.Ideally located between Montego Bay and Negril

         UNITY HALL,just outside of Montego Bay-Jamaica1BEDROOM APARTMENT-AVAILABLE BY THE DAYS,WEEKS,WEEKENDS

1

1 BED apartment FROM U.S.$45.00 UP

2 BEDROOMS FROM U.S.$75.00 UP

3 BEDROOM APARTMENT FROM U.S.$130

CALL 954-380-9679/ 876 330 5444 FOR RESERVATION.

THIS RENTAL PROPERTY IS VERY SAFE AND IDEALLY LOCATED BETWEEN MONTEGO BAY AND NEGRIL.

FOR THE VISITORS AND LOCALS WHO WANT TO BE OUT IN THE COUNTRY SIDE AND EXPLORE JAMAICA.

CLOSE TO THE BEACH IN UNITY HALL AND HOPEWELL.PROPERTY IN VERY PEACEFUL COMMUNITY,WITH VERY WARM PEOPLE.

A VERY COMFORTABLE.SECURE,AFFORDABLE PLACE TO COME IN TO AFTER A GREAT DAY OF TOURING AND FUN.

THESE APARTMENTS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND AND GO VERY FAST, SO CALL AND BOOK WAY AHEAD OF YOUR VACATION.

954-380-9679/876 330 5444

FOR RESERVATION

The plantation regime of slavery had a major impact on the Jamaican society long after the the abolition of slavery.The lighter the skin ,the more valuable you were during slavery and even today,after coming  such a long way, that mentality still stands.

As recent as the 1960’s,dark skin Jamaican women were not the faces you would normally see serving in the banks,at the airline counters,at the hotel counters or at any of the higher positions in larger companies. It was well accepted that the place for the darker skin Jamaican women was certainly not in the better or more top jobs. This took a major toll on the self esteem of Young black Jamaican women,who accepted the position of living as a second class citizen.Darker skin women during the 1960’s did not bother much with higher education for various reasons, such as affordability,self worth, having babies,not enough schools for higher education and not much in the future regarding better jobs.

The early 1970’s saw a new beginning and a turn in the direction regarding skin colour. A young politician by the name of Micheal Manley(very light complexion man)became the Prime minister of Jamaica and spoke out strongly regarding prejudice against the darker skin Jamaicans.He constantly preached about equality among all skin colour.Mr. Manley himself fell in love with and married Beverley Manley, a dark skinJamaican woman, who sported an  afro .Micheal Manley was well loved  among Jamaicans and was able to get his message across to many.Self esteem among darker Jamaicans on a whole was on a high. Slogans like-PROUD TO BE BLACK and BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL were extremely popular.Songs included words like EMANCIPATE YOURSELVES FROM MENTAL SLAVERY,NONE BUT OURSELVES CAN FREE OUR MINDS(Bob Marley) and YOUNG GIFTED AND BLACK (made popular by Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths were soaring on the charts in the 1970’s.Darker skin women were getting a boost of self esteem. They were ”proud to be black” and sported  their neat afros ,dressed confidently in their pedal pushers,mini skirts and hot pants.The faces that greeted customers at the service desks,banks and persons who represented companies as senior staff and managers were now including a number of Dark skin Jamaicans.As people became more aware of their self worth, education became a priority.

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE IN JAMAICA

You have to have one or all of the following to be socially accepted. Money,Education,Lighter complexion.Although Jamaica had never lost the whole stigma of the fair skin Jamaicans being the superior,The darker skin Jamaicans had become very aware that if they educate themselves, they could achieve greatness and become whatever they want to be.Black Jamaicans are now Bank Managers,Hotel Managers and owners,Doctors, Teachers,business owners and Might I say Prime minister !!Education has played quite an important roll in the lives of black Jamaicans who started achieving more,becoming bosses and professionals.

BLEACHING:

What could have brought on the recent craze for lighter skin among dark skin Jamaicans especially women !! . This activity is identified mostly among the poorer class and the less educated. Could this be that the quest to be socially accepted has left them with no other choice ?The poorer class obviously has no money ,without money it is hard to get a higher education !! So the lightening of the skin might be the easiest of the three !! This certainly is no excuse for bleaching of the skin, as this is an extremely dangerous practice ,which can negatively affect ones health.

HAVE BLACK MEN BETRAYED DARK SKIN  WOMEN ?

The darker skin women are losing the battle against the lighter skin women in the quest for love.Jamaican men seem to much favour the ”brownings”(women with lighter complexion) and women of different race with lighter complexion.It is very obvious to see the pride and adoration in the faces of some black men when they walk down the street hand in hand with a light complexion woman !! One explanation given to me by a black man was ”Black women do not groom themselves as well and things like going to the gym and spa are not very common among them”. A very famous DJ unleashed a monster among Jamaicans when he released the popular song-”mi love mi car mi love mi bike mi love mi money an ting, but most of all mi love mi browning ”. That popular song (although very catchy and I must admit ,I danced to the beat a few times)took us back several years, as many Jamaican men felt and still feel the need to follow suite.

A LOOK AHEAD

The future looks very promising for the Dark skin Jamaican women,who have gotten far ahead in life, becoming Lawyers,doctors,Bank managers, Hotel managers even Prime minister,Achieving Bachelors ,Masters and PhD degrees.The future looks very bright, however loyalty from Jamaican Black men would be good .Most Black women are confident enough not to be needy ,but to move forward to where they are appreciated and needed

OTHER ARTICLES:

JAMAICAN CULTURE AND FOODS

 HOW TO KEEP A GREAT MARRIAGE WITH A JAMAICAN MAN

 Jamaican men their- Passion and love

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Top 3 Best Homemade Hair Moisturizer Recipes

Jamaican Herbs for the hair and skin is a healthy alternative. Too many harmful chemicals like  ALPHA HYDROXY ACID ,BRONOPOP,  COUMARIN, FORMALDEHYDE, GLYCOLIC ACID, TEA , DISODIUM EDTA and so many more  read more… are being used to make our skin and hair products .These harsh chemicals are used for various reasons namely, as preservatives for longer shelf life ,as fillers for profitability, for fragrance and for appearance.

THE SKIN  is the  body’s largest organ and all product used on it is absorbed through the skin into the blood stream and into the organs.The organs and toxic blood,already sluggish from chemicals consumed from the food we eat ,is once again bombarded with added chemicals,which are absorbed through the skin.We should at all cost avoid skin care and hair products with harmful chemicals, in order to have better health.Herbal products are safe and very effective on the skin and hair.As a matter of fact they are healthy and good for us.

A  warm herbal bath is the beginning of a beautiful skin. Wrap about a handful of your desired Jamaican herb or herbs  in a terry cloth or a meshed pouch  with approximately 1/2 cup oatmeal(to soften skin). Hang the pouch with herbs inside the warm bath water and let steep for 15-20minutes. Another way to prepare a herbal bath is to steep the herbal tea  then pour it in the warn bath water.Add some herbal infused oil to bath water and enjoy for as long as you desire to relax and unwind.Herbal infused oils are easy to make , very soothing and great to moisten the skin.Jojoba oil and Extra virgin olive oil are two excellent oils for the skin, jojoba oil being the closest oil to the one produced by our skin.Moisturize your body with healthy herbal lotionsavailable in the health stores or ones you can make yourself ,at home.Herbs such as,aloe vera, comfrey,fennel,mint,dandelion,blackberry leaves,sage,rose petals,grated ginger,parsley,orange peel ,orange blossoms,marigold and alfalfa are very effective on the skin and products with these herbs are highly recommended for great skin care.You should be able to identify all the ingredients in  the products you use on your skin and hair,this is surely one way to keep out harmful chemicals, free radicals and toxins from your organs and blood.The deodorants on the market have such toxic chemicals that are so harmful to the health of people especially women.These chemicals are absorbed into the glands that are next to the breasts and this is causing major health issues.We should really be very careful and read the labels on the deodorants .One harmful ingredient in deodorants is aluminum.Look for ”aluminum free deodorants” .

THE HAIR is one of the first thing that people notice when they look at you.We have to maintain it with the best products or it will get dull and very unattractive. Best products does not mean( or have to be) expensive products,but what is good for us.Jamaican Herbs like nettles, comfrey,  aloe vera,  Tuna  leaves and many more listed here are great for a lustrous and healthy hair.The use of herbs in the hair will rejuvenate the scalp and hair shaft,which will enhance sheen and healthy growth. Harsh chemicals will basically give the reverse results.Try to make herbal shampoos and  hair moisturizer and hair  treatment at home for your hair , this will  eliminate some of the unknown ingredients that are added in shampoos and you will be happy with the results.

Tuna leaves sliced down the middle is used as a shampoo to wash the hair and leaves the hair very soft . Ripe Avocado crushed and added to a few drops of extra virgin olive oil , left on the hair as a conditioner for approximately 10-15 minutes will leave the hair very healthy and with a nice sheen.

The options are very limited with healthy skin and hair care products . However if we go back to the basics ,by using the ingredients that we know and can recognize ,we should be on the right path. Regardless of how we want to look,if we care about our health then our best option is using Jamaican herbs for the hair and skin.

OTHER RELATED ARTICLES:

MAKE YOUR OWN SHAMPOO AT HOME

 WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN DEODORANT AT HOME

DANGER OF CHEMICALS IN PRODUCTS 

 JAMAICAN HERB FORMULA  FOR HAIR AND SKIN

HERBAL HAIR TREATMENT AND MOISTURIZER FORMULA

PURCHASE JAMAICAN HERBS HERE

 Follow @crazyjamaica

Some recipes will use steeped herbal tea ,so the first recipe will be just that.

There are various herbs that are good for hair,facials,body care and herbal baths. You can choose the herbs that you think are best for your hair or skin. If a recipe has one particular herb and you would like to substitute another herb or add another herb,go right ahead ! that is the natural advantage of using herbs.

Here are a list of herbs and the areas in which they work best in.

ASTRINGENT HERBS:

Bay,bayberry bark, chamomile,comfrey leaf and root,elderberry flowers,frankincense,lemon.mint,myrrh,primrose,pansy,rosemary,sage,rose,violet,wintergreen,witch hazel.

STIMULATING HERBS: Beebalm,elderberryflowers,lavender,mint,nettle,plantain,rosemary,sage .

ANTISEPTIC HERBS:

Bay, chamomile , echinacea, myrrh, sorrel, thyme.

CLEANSING HERBS:

Chamomile,fennel,lady’s mantle,lovage,nettle,parsley,plantain

HERBS FOR ACNE:

Burdock, clover, horsetail, lavender, tansy.

FOR FACIALS: Chamomile-soothes and cleanses,comfrey-heals,elderberry flowers -stimulates and tightens,fennel-cleanses(good base for any facial ),nettles-cleanse and increases circulation,peppermint-stimulates nd tightens,rosemary-increases circulation,yarrow excellent astringent.

HOW TO STEEP HERBAL TEA

1. • 1

     Bring 3 cups of water to boil in a medium-sized pot. Reduce heat to low and wait until the water stops boiling.

   • 2

     Add 1 table spoon of dried herbs to the water, cover and let simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

   • 3

     Stir occasionally. Do not let the water boil, as that may destroy some of the potent compounds in the herbs.

   • 4

     Strain the herbs out of the hot water. Drink one to three cups of tea a day.

   • 5

     Continue drinking herb tea on a daily basis. Discontinue use or reduce dosage if adverse effects develop.

      

     HERBAL INFUSED OIL

      

     SWEET ALMOND OIL,SUNFLOWER OIL ,EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL ARE OR ANY OTHER PURE VEGETABLE OIL ALL GREAT FOR THIS PURPOSE.

     All you will need is the oil,a clean dry glass container and the herbs of your choice(comfrey,camomile,sage,mint,burdock,fennel to name a few)

     METHOD:

     Place the herb of choice in the jar(only half the container)                                 pour the oil into the container and fill to the top.Stir with a wooden spoon to make sure herb is covered.Cover container,label and date it. Shake container with herb and oil daily for duration of infusion process.This takes between 3-6 weeks,depends on how concentrated you desire the infused oil to be.

      

      

     EASY HERBAL SHAMPOO

      

     1 Cup infused herbal tea(rosemary,burdock root,nettles all or any)

     1 tbsp. jojoba oil

     1 tbsp. vegetable glycerine or castor oil.

     1 tbsp. wheat germ oil or coconut oil.

     1 cup castile soap(liquid)

     combine all in a bowl and mix well. Pour in bottle and label.
     (Castile soap is 100% vegetable base soap, made from olive oil. It is a simple soap without a blend of complex ingredients. Hence the reason you can find it at your local healthfood store. In liquid form, they add only potassium hydroxide to seponify the vegetable oils.)

      

     NATURAL ALOE VERA SHAMPOO

                                    ( ESPECIALLY FOR DREADLOCKS HAIRSTYLES)

     1 Aloe vera leaf (peel and discard skin)
     1 tbsp  jojoba oil
     1/2 cup water
     1 tbsp. avocado oil (optional)
     Blend all ingredients in a blender and use .(refrigerate any left over)
                                                  HERBAL BODY LOTION
     (Part 1)                                                                                   (Part 2)
     24 oz. steeped herbal tea                                    1/3  oz. Rosemary extract
     4. oz. jojoba oil                                                        1/3  oz. Lavender essential oil
     1 oz. vegetable glycerine
     1.2 oz. emulsifying wax
     1.2 oz. stearic acid
     combine all of part 1 ingredients into a double boiler and mix while allowing to melt.Once everything is melted use a hand held blender and mix for a few seconds. Add part 2 ingredients and mix again.Pour in container,label and allow to cool. You may substitute the Lavender essential oil for any other flavour you prefer.

other related articles

HOW TO MAKE SHAMPOO

HOW TO MAKE DEODORANT

JAMAICAN HERBS FOR THE HAIR AND SKIN

 HAIR TREATMENT AND CONDITIONER

MAKE YOUR OWN LOTION

SOURCE :http://www.purezing.com/

List of the More Widely Known Dangerous Ingredients in Body & Food Products

Acesulfame K 
Sugar substitute found in pudding, chewing gum, non-dairy creamers, instant coffee mixes, tea mixes and gelatin desserts. May increase cancer in humans.

Acetone
Also known as Dimethylketone, 2-Propanone, Beta-Ketopropane. Inhalation of moderate to high amounts, even for a short time results in entry of acetone into bloodstream where it is carried to all other organs. Nose, throat, lung and eye irritant, headaches, confusion, increased pulse rate, effects on blood, nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness, coma. Shortens the menstrual cycle in women. Effects of long-term exposure include kidney, liver and nerve damage, increased birth defects, metabolic changes and coma. Found in nail polish remover.

Acetaldehyde
Found in many nail care products. Known to cause cancers in humans and experimental animals.

Acrylamide/polyacrylamide
Acrylamide, produced naturally in some foods when cooked at high temps. Manufactured for use in polyacrylamide gels, sometimes used as a treatment for drinking water and/ or wastewater. Acrylamide causes cancer in animals and in large doses, nerve damage in humans. Smoking is a major acrylamide producer as is frying, deep frying or extended micro-waving.

Alcohol
Implicated in oral cancer. Found in mouthwash, astringent, toothpaste, cleansers.

Alkyl-phenol Ethoxylades 
May reduce sperm count. Found in shampoo and bubble bath.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid 
Destroys skin cells and leaves skin more susceptible to damage from the environment and skin cancer. Actually ends up aging skin. Found in anti-aging facial creams and lotions.

Aluminum
Heavy concentrations may be linked to Alzheimer’s dementia. Aluminum is in many antiperspirants and prevalent in water supplies. Processed foods contain dietary aluminum.
Sodium aluminum phosphate appears in pickles, cheese and baking soda.

Ammonium Glycolate 
A photosensitizer with potential to increase risk of sunburn and skin cancer by intensifying UV exposures in deep skin layers. This sensitizer can instigate immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. It is also a penetration enhancer which alters the skins’ structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, thus increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream. Found in body products.

Ammonium Persulfate
Found in hair color and bleaching kit sensitizer – can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin, lung sensitizer – can instigate immune system response that can include asthma attacks or other problems with the lungs and airways.

Immune system toxin, respiratory toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant, classified as toxic in one or more government assessments.

Aspartame
Genetically Modified, synthetic sugar substitute. People report dizziness, headaches and even seizures. Scientists believe it can alter behavior due to altered brain function. Long term effects of this genetically modified organism on human health has not been studied or tested. Found as a sweetener in foods and some body products, such as shaving gel. See our Genetically Modified / GMO Foods section for more information.

Benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride and lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagenFound in hair treatment products. Both are toxic and allergenic.

Benzene
Inhalation of high levels can cause headaches, rapid heart rate, tremors, confusion, unconsciousness and death. Hodgkin’s and Lymphomas result from inhalation. Used in detergents, drugs, pesticides and adhesives.

Benzoic Acid 
Inhalation affects nervous system and is moderately toxic by ingestion. Severe eye and skin irritant. Used as a food preservative and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

Benzoic / Benzyl / Benzene
Contains carcinogens, endocrine disruptor, may cause birth defects. Found in shower gels, shampoos, bubble bath.

Benzoyl Peroxide
In acne treatments, bar soap, facial cleansers and food additives! Highly toxic/ irritant.

Bisphenol A or BPA
Toxic plastic chemical used as a can lining in brands of some infant formulas. Also found in water bottles, this chemical is used to produce polycarbonate and epoxy plastics. For babies, check food container labels and beware of polycarbonate plastic baby bottles. Chemical reactions can occur when plastic is heated.

BHA – BHT 
Banned in other countries, these two preservatives are considered carcinogenic but remain in U.S. manufactured foods that contain oil as they retard rancidity. Found in foods and body products.

Bronopol
May break down into formaldehyde, may form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in body products.

Butylparaben
Potential breast cancer risk and endocrine disruptor raising concern for impaired fertility or development, increased risk for certain cancers, itching burning and blistering of skin. Found in body products.

Carboxymethylcellulose
Causes cancer in animals. Used in cosmetics, inhalation could cause chemical pneumonitis.

Coal Tar Dyes – (includes D&C Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 33, etc.)
Even though their carcinogenicity has recently been proven, the 1938 Act includes a specific exemption for them. Severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, lack of concentration, nervousness, increased risk of Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Found in bubble bath, hair dye, dandruff shampoo, toothpaste and foods. For more information, see the Dyes Commonly Used in Food and Body Product Section.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine 
May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products, itching, burning and blistering of skin. Synthesized from coconuts, this chemical is found in body products and may be labeled natural or organic.

Coumarin
Formerly the active ingredient in rat poison. A carcinogenic ingredient used in the manufacturing of deodorants, shampoos, skin fresheners and perfumes.

D&C Yellow 11 
Found in: Lip gloss, polish remover, nail polish, bath oil/salts/soak, body spray, mositurizer, lipstick, styling gel/lotion, bar soap, after sun products, cologne, nail treatment. Color safe for external use only, found in ingested products, Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products

DEA: Diethanolamine 
A chemical used as a wetting or thickening agent in shampoos, soaps, hairsprays and sunscreens, blocks absorption of the nutrient choline, which is essential to brain development in a fetus.

Diacetyl
An additive that tastes like butter causes a serious lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, or “popcorn workers’ lung. Found in foods, especially microwave popcorn.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) 
A chemical used to keep nail polish from chipping, has been connected to cancer in lab animals as well as long-term fertility issues in newborn boys. Banned in Europe, but still in use in the U.S. Found in nail polish.

Dimethicone
A silicone emollient, which coats the skin not allowing toxins out. May promote tumors and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. Found in lotions and creams.

Dioforms
Damage and weaken tooth enamel allowing more staining and discoloration to take place. Found in tooth whitening products.

Disodium EDTA 
Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Found in cosmetics.

Diazolidinyl Urea
Found in facial cleansers, shampoos and conditioners. Linked to neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity

DMDM Hydantoin
Contains formaldehyde , an ingredient linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity. Allergenic, can be an irritant to eyes skin and lungs. Common in manicure/pedicure products and hair treatment packages.

Ethylacrylate
Found in some mascaras’s suspected as a cause of cancer in humans, based on studies of human populations or laboratory animals.

Elastin
Suffocates skin by not allowing moisture in or out. Found in facial creams and body lotions.

Fluoride
May contain lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Accumulates in body and contributes to bone disease. Carcinogenic. Found in toothpastes.

Formaldehyde
Suspected carcinogen and neurotoxin, it may be fatal if swallowed, absorbed through skin, inhaled or swallowed. Can cause spasms, edema, chemical pneumonitis and is extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membrane, this chemical is found in many nail care products. Known to cause cancers in humans and experimental animals. Found in baby shampoo, bubble bath, deodorants, perfume, cologne, hair dye, mouthwash, toothpaste, hair spray, nail polish.

Fragrances (Synthetic) 
Some perfumes / fragrances contain hundreds of chemicals. Some, such as methylene chloride are carcinogenic. Some cause brain damage or are neurotoxins. Avoid unless you can be sure they are not carcinogenic.

Glycolic Acid 
Penetration enhancer which alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream, skin or sense organs. As a sensitizer it can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. Toxicant, neurotoxin, kidney toxicant, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant. Found in creams, lotions, cosmetics.

GMO/Genetically Modified Organism 
Plants, animals or foods that have been genetically modified, genetically engineered or BT/Biotechnology modified. Genetic engineering enables scientists to create plants, animals and micro-organisms by manipulating genes in a way that does not occur naturally. Minimal testing shows that animals fed GMO feed, refuse to eat it. When force-fed the feed (corn, soy, tomatoes etc.) the animals developed stomach lesions and malformations of organs. GMO food is not labeled as such in the U.S. Almost all other countries have banned the use of GMO in food and body products due to insufficient testing. See GMO section for more information.

Hydroabietyl Alcohol
Found in styling gel/lotions. Unsafe for use in cosmetics according to the fragrance industry’s International Fragrance Association.

High Fructose Corn Syrup/HFCS
High fructose consumption has been fingered as a causative factor in heart disease. It raises blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. It makes blood cells more prone to clotting, and it may also accelerate the aging process. See Sugars, Insulin Resistance and Glycemic Index section for more information.

Hydrogenated/Partially Hydrogenated Oils 
Hydrogenated oils contain high levels of trans fats. A trans fat is an otherwise normal fatty acid that has been radically changed by high heat. Trans fats are poison: just like arsenic. Partially hydrogenated oils will not only kill you in the long term by producing diseases like multiple sclerosis and allergies that lead to arthritis, but in the meantime they will make you fat! See Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils section for more information

Hydroquinone
A severely toxic and very powerful chemical. Banned in the United Kingdom, but still used in the U.S. Found in skin lightening products and hair dyes, this chemical alters the skins natural structure inhibiting the production of Melanin. Without natural protection, the skin is more susceptible to skin cancer. Prolonged use of Hydroquinone will thicken collagen fibers damaging the connective tissues. The result is rough blotchy skin leaving it with a spotty caviar appearance.

Hydroxymethylcellulose
Used in cosmetics. Inhalation could cause chemical pneumonitis.

Imidazolidinyl Urea
This allergenic chemical finds its way into deodorants, shampoos, hand cream and some mascaras.

Isobutylparaben
Potential breast cancer risk. Itching, burning and blistering of skin. Found in body products.

Isoproponal/Isopropyl Alcohol 
Moderately toxic chemical causing flushing, pulse rate decrease, blood pressure lowering, anesthesia, narcosis, headache, dizziness, mental depression, drowsiness, hallucinations, distorted perceptions, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting and coma. Used to clean/disinfect skin, lower temperatures. Found in some body products.

Kajoic Acid 
A chemical that inhibits melanin production. Used in skin lightening products, it damages the skin and makes it more susceptible to cancer.

Lacquer
Can cause eyelashes to fall out. Found in mascara.

Lanolin
While lanolin itself is skin beneficial, it may contain carcinogenic pesticides such as DDT, lindane, dieldrin and other neurotoxins. Can cause rashes. Found in body products.

Lye
Can dry and damage skin. Found in bars of soap.

Magnesium Stearate / Stearic Acid 
May contain phosphatidyl choline which collapses cell membranes and selectively kills T-Cells which breaks down the immune system. An execeptant that is used to bind medicinal tablets and make them smooth it is also used in pharmaceuticals, foods, talcum powder, ammunition, and as a drying agent in paints.

MEA: Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamide DEA, Oleamide DEA
NDEA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine) forms when DEA reacts with nitrosating agents or the actual addition of nitrite as a preservative. As there is no way to determine if NDEA has been formed, it is imperative to avoid all products containing DEA as it is a known carcinogen. Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser.

Methylisothiazoline, or MIT 
Causes neurological damage. Found in shampoo.

Methyl Methacrylate 
May cause fingers and nails to inflame. Found in nail polish.

Methylparaben 
Potential breast cancer risk and endocrine disruptor raising concern for impaired fertility or development of fetus, and increased risk for certain cancers, itching, burning and blistering of skin. A close cousin of benzoic acid: poisonous and moderately toxic it is found in body products.

Mineral Oil 
A derivative of petroleum, this additive clogs pores, locks in toxins, suffocates and dries skin and inhibits your skins natural oil production further increasing dehydration. Causes testicular tumors in the fetus, deposits accumulate in the lymph nodes and prevent absorption of vitamin A from the intestines. Found in blush, baby oil, lotions, foundation and creams.

Monosodium Glutamate/MSG 
MSG is an excitotoxin, which causes nerve damage and allergic reactions. Found in hundreds of foods, often under other names. See our Monosodium Glutamate / MSG section for more information

MTBE
Gasoline additive. Known as a “likely” human carcinogenic.

Neotame
Neotame is a reformulated aspartame that will require smaller amounts than aspartame to achieve the same sweetness. Neotame, like aspartame, contains aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and a methyl esther. Animal studies reveal aspartic acid and glutamic acid load on the same receptors in the brain, cause identical brain lesions and neuroendocrine disorders, and act in an additive fashion. People who are sensitive to processed free glutamic acid (MSG) experience similar reactions to aspartame, and people who are sensitive to aspartame experience similar reactions to MSG. People who currently react to MSG and/or aspartame should expect to react similarly to Neotame. Found in soft drinks, pharmaceuticals, processed foods of all kinds.

Nitrate – Nitrite 
While nitrate itself is harmless; it is readily converted to nitrite. When nitrite combines with compounds called secondary amines, it forms nitrosamines: extremely powerful cancer-causing chemicals. The chemical reaction occurs most readily at the high temperatures of frying. Nitrite has long been suspected as being a cause of stomach cancer. (See Sodium Nitrite)

Nitrosamines
Extremely powerful, cancer-causing chemicals formed at high temperatures when the preservative nitrite combines with compounds called secondary amines.

Olestra
While fat-free, this additive has a fatal side effect: it attaches to valuable nutrients and flushes them out of the body. Some of these nutrients, called carotenoids, appear to protect us from such diseases as lung cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. Olestra replaces fats in ‘fat-free’ foods.

Padimate-O (PABA) 
Nitrosamines, potent carcinogens, may form in products that contain Padimate-O. There is no way of knowing if they have formed. Found in cosmetics and sunscreens.

Paraffin
Possible carcinogen. Found in cosmetics and food.

PBDE
Toxic flame retardant, used in baby bedding to slow advance of fire. Residue found in breast milk.

Perchlorate
It is rocket science! Perchlorate is a by- product of rocket fuel, discovered in over 90% of the U.S. lettuce and milk supply. It interferes with thyroid function can cause thyroid cancer and or hypothyroidism.

PEG Stearates
Potentially contaminated with or breaking down into chemicals linked to cancer or other significant health problems. Found in cosmetics, creams and foods.

PEG (Polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, oxynol: any ethoxylated compound, including SLES)
May contain ¼-dioxane which is a possible carcinogen, estrogen mimic and endocrine disruptor. Can only be removed from a product through vacuum stripping during processing. Avoid all ethyoxylated products as a precaution. Found in foods and body products.

PEG-12 Distearate 
May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products linked to cancer or other significant health problems. Found in creams, lotions, cosmetics and foods.

PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products linked to cancer or other significant health problems, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards. Found in cosmetics, creams, lotions and foods.

PEG-14M 
May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products linked to cancer or other significant health problems. Found in foods, lotions, creams and cosmetics.

Petroleum (Petrolatum) 
Suffocates skin and traps toxins in body, clogs pores. Found in lotions, skin creams, and body jelly.

PFOA or C8
Used when processing polytetrafluroroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. This toxic chemical remains in animals and humans for indefinite periods.

PFOS
Perflurooctanotane sulfonate. A fluorocarbon used in producing repellents and surfactant products, like stain resistant fabric.

Phenoxyethanol
Possible connection to reproductive or developmental harm to fetus, potential for reduced fertility, classified as toxic and an irritant, potential risks to wildlife and environment through excretion of body product toxins and disposal of cosmetics.

Phthalates
Accumulates in the body; proven damage to liver, lungs, kidneys and reproductive systems. Appears in vinyl flooring, plastic wallpaper, perfume, hair spray, deodorant, nail polish, hair gel, mousse, body and hand lotion. Look for it in children’s toys, as; DEHP, BBP and DBP.

Polyethylene Glycol /PEG 
Moderately toxic, eye irritant and possible carcinogen. Many glycols produce severe acidosis, central nervous system damage and congestion. Can cause convulsions, mutations, and surface EEG changes. Found in cosmetics, body products, foods, lotions.

Polypropylene
Possible carcinogen. Found in lipstick, mascara, baby soap, eye shadow.

Polyscorbate-60 
Used in cosmetics. Inhalation could cause chemical pneumonitis .

Polyquaternium-7 
May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products linked to cancer or other significant health problems. Found in body products.

Potassium Bromate 
An additive that increases the volume and crumb of bread, is banned worldwide except in the U.S. and Japan. Considered carcinogenic.

p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) 
Very toxic substance, used in hair dyeing, shampoo’s and hair spray. Highly carcinogenic, developmental and reproductive toxicity, it is allergenic and can cause skin irritation issues.

Propylene Glycol 
Kidney damage, liver abnormalities, inhibits skin cell growth, damages cell membranes causing rashes, surface damage and dry skin.

Absorbed into blood stream and travels to all organs. Many glycols produce severe acidosis, central nervous system damage and congestion. Can cause convulsions, mutations, and surface EEG changes. It is derived from petroleum products. The Material Safety Data Sheets on propylene glycol warns against contact with eyes, skin and clothing. It also says inhalation can cause irritation of nasal passages, ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Research also shows that it alters cell membranes and causes cardiac arrest. Found in shaving gel, lotions, shampoo, conditioners, foods, deodorant.

Propylparaben
Potential breast cancer risk and endocrine disruptor raising concern for impaired fertility or development, and increased risk for certain cancers, itching burning and blistering of skin, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazard. A close cousin of benzoic acid: poisonous and moderately toxic. Found in body products.

PVC/ polyvinyl chloride
When produced or burned, this common plastic releases dioxins, may cause cancer, affect immune and reproductive systems.

Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60 etc. 
Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions. Formaldehyde releasers. Substantive evidence of casual relation to leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers. Found in body products.

Sodium Chloride 
Table salt (processed at high heat). Eye irritation, some hair loss, and dry and itchy skin. Found in shampoo as a thickener.

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate 
Potentially contaminated with or breaking down into chemicals linked to cancer or other significant health problems. Found in facial moisturizer, facial cleanser, facial treatments, skin fading and lightening products, anti-aging products, eye makeup remover, concealer, makeup remover, around eye cream, acne treatment, shampoo, conditioner, styling lotion and gel, styling mousse and foam, hair spray, hair relaxer, tanning oil and sunscreen, after tanning products, body cleanser and wash, body exfoliants, body firming lotion, baby soap, baby lotion, baby wipes, baby bubble bath, pain and wound products, hand sanitizer.

Sodium Nitrite
Makes meat look red rather than gray, and gives meat an overly long shelf life of months. Clinically proven to cause leukemia, brain tumors and other forms of cancer.

Soy
Contains several naturally occurring compounds that are toxic to humans and animals. Soy foods block calcium and can cause vitamin D deficiencies. One health agency estimates than 100 grams of soy protein provides the estrogenic equivalent of the pill. Processing and all modern soy foods contain MSG, which cause neurological problems. Soy products inhibit thyroid function, which may lead to fatigue and mental issues. Infants on soy formula are vulnerable to developing autoimmune thyroid disease when exposed to high amounts of isoflavones over time. These Isoflavones have been found to have serious health effects, including infertility, thyroid disease or liver disease, on a number of mammals. Long term feeding with soy formulas inhibits thyroid peroxidase to such an extent that long term elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels can also raise the risk of thyroid cancer. It is said that two glasses of soy milk a day over the course of a month contains enough of the chemical to change the timing of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Only eat soy if it has been fermented: such as soy, misu and tamari and if it is labeled as organic or non-GMO. See our Genetically Modified Foods section for more information

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate)
Builds up in heart, lungs, brain and liver from skin contact and may cause damage to these organs. Corrodes hair follicles and may cause hair to fall out. Damages immune system. Contain endocrine disruptors and estrogen mimics. Impairs proper structural formation of young eyes. May contain carcinogenic nitrosamines. This is a detergent derived from coconut oil and may be labeled natural or even organic. Found in toothpaste, soap, shampoo, body wash, bubble bath, facial cleansers.

SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
Ether mixtures may contain carcinogenic nitrosamines. Avoid ethoxylated compounds as a precaution. May form 1.4 dioxane, a potential carcinogen, endocrine disruptor and estrogen mimic. Allows other chemicals to penetrate skin more deeply and enter bloodstream. May cause hair loss when applied to scalp. Found in shampoo, toothpaste, bubble bath, body wash, soap.

Stearalkonium Chloride
Toxic and causes allergic reactions. Used in hair conditioners.

Sulfites
Can cause reactions in asthmatics, and lead to death. Sulphites are now banned on all foods except raw potatoes, wine and dried fruit.

Talc
Carcinogenic when inhaled, may result in fallopian tube fibrosis. Found in blush, condoms, baby powder, feminine powders, foot and body powders.

Thimerol
At one time in most vaccines for children. Still believed to be in many vaccines. This form of organic mercury, functions as a preservative. It is highly toxic as it metabolizes into methylmercury.

TEA: Tea, Triethanolamine
TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects (although still in use in the U.S.)

Repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer. Found in shampoos, skin cream, bubble bath, shaving gel, conditioner, lotions.

Toluene
Poison to humans. Hallucinations, bone marrow changes, may cause liver and kidney damage and birth defects, endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen linked to brain cancer. Irritates respiratory tract. Found in nail polish and cleaning products.

Triclosan
Found in a lot of antimicrobial soaps and toothpaste products, it can react with chlorine in the tap water to create Chloroform. This is a toxic chemical that can give you cancer. If you breathe enough chloroform, you will die. When you wash your hands with antibacterial soap that contains Triclosan, you are getting the fumes emitted from this chemical reaction.

Vinyl chloride
Used to create PVC (polyvinyl chloride) a known carcinogen. Often found in toys. Children chewing on toys can release toxins into their bodies. * see PVC

Zinc Stearate
Carcinogen. Found in blush and powder foundation

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”Why do Jamaicans excel” is a question that many people ask. The answers can be a great topic for discussion,as there can be many .

Jamaica is a tiny Island in the Caribbean,  with less than three million                    (3,000,000)people occupying the breathtaking paradise of approximately 4243 sq. miles. Jamaica has had some amazing achievements , topping the world in numerous events and sectors.

MUSIC

Reggae Music became high on the world’s charts after it was taken abroad by ‘Legends’  Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and others others who were brave enough to introduce the world to something new ,but confident enough to know that they believed in reggae music, so that was good enough.This bold act ,opened the doors for many other reggae artists for whom the world keeps craving for more .Reggae is vibrant,provocative and addictive music ,that has swept waves worldwide.

BEAUTIES

             Jamaican beauties have been outstanding throughout the years.To date Jamaica has produces three Ms. World winners and runners up.This country stands at third place in the world for the amount of beauties to have won the Ms. World title .Jamaica’s first Ms.World winner was Carole Crawford in 1963,Cindy Breakspear in 1976 and Lisa Hanna in 1979.Debbie Campbell was second runner up in 1979 and Sandra Cunningham second runner up  1981 .

EDUCATION

            Jody-Ann Maxwell topped the world in the spelling Bee championship in 1998.

JOB POSITION

            Colin Powell , Jamaican born.Served in one of the highest position in the U.S.A. as Secretary of State from 2001 -2004

BOXERS

              World renown boxer Trevor Berbick,  became the world champion in the heavy weight division in the year 1986. Mike McCallum another Jamaican became the word champion for the middle weight division in 1984.

TRACK TEAM

                  The track team has done Jamaica more than proud and has had Jamaicans beaming with pride many times.This trend started some 60 years ago with Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley in the men’s 4×400 m relay.These men showed Jamaicans that they can win at any cost. Athletes like Merline Ottey,Donald Quarrie,Grace Jackson,Veronica Campbell,Shelly-Ann Fraser,Kerron Stewart and many others have brought home gold medals and set Jamaica high on the scale as ”the country to beat”.

                Asafa Powell gave Jamaica an outstanding performance and brought home the gold as well a the word record in 2005. He held the world’s record in the 100 m of 9.77 seconds then 9.74 seconds between June 2005 -May 2008.

                Usain Bolt in 2008 acquired the world record of 9.72 seconds in the 100 m race .He went on to top his own record in the olympics  at 9.59 and has the record of being the first man to set the world record in three events (100 m,200 m and 4x100relay)at a single olympics.Usain is currently the world record holder for both the 100m and the 200m races.

Jamaica  a small country,has produced many outstanding achievers.Many can argue and say it is share luck,but good luck rarely strikes twice.There has to be something different about Jamaicans and the way they are brought up.

COMPETITIVENESS

It is eminent that Jamaicans are highly competitive. A closer look into their everyday lives will reveal that from very early competition is introduced.Many Jamaicans begin school at the tender age of two and school in every grade there is competition.At the end of every semester and year a test or exam is given to see what place the student falls in the class,whether it is first,second,third or down the line.An award is usually given to the higher achievers. To attend  high school ,students compete for a place to get into the particular school they desire.There are also annual competitions like sports day,song and speech festival competition,spelling bee ,school’s challenge quiz,football competition among schools,track and field  between schools and the list goes on.

DETERMINATION

           Jamaicans have what you could call a built in determination to win, to be first and to achieve. Regardless of the many hardship that Jamaicans face, there is always a way to conquer their obstacle.

FUN LOVING

          Jamaicans celebrate every chance they get. They make a party out of everything . There are parties for weddings,for funerals ,for someone migrating,for coming home,for graduating,for just being bored. Parties are never out of food ,drinks,dancing and laughter.Jamicans work hard and they play hard.

Looking through the achievements and the lifestyle of Jamaicans it is really no definite answer to the question ”why do Jamaicans excel” ? It could be any one of the three above,it could also be a combination of all three.One thing for sure is that many Jamaicans do excel and that they do have the three characteristics at some point in their lives.

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Meet the Former Queens of Miss Jamaica World:

	Brittany Lyons 2008	Yendi Phillips 2007	Sara Lawrence 2006
Terri-Karelle Griffith 2005	Tonoya Toyloy 2004	Jade Fulford 2003	Danielle O’ Hayon 2002
Regina Beavers 2001	Ayesha Richards 2000	Desiree Depass 1999	Christine Straw 1998
Michelle Moodie 1997	Selena Delgado 1996	Imani Duncan 1995	Johanna Ulett 1994
Lisa Hanna 1993	Julie Bradford 1992	Sandra Foster 1991	Erica Aquart 1990
Natasha Marcanik 1989	Andrea Haynes 1988	Janice Wittingham 1987	Lisa Mahfood 1986
Allison Barnett 1985	Jacqueline Crichton 1984	Cathy Levy 1983	Cornelia Parchment 1982
Sandra Cunningham 1981	Michelle Harris 1980	Debbie Campbell 1979	Joan Mcdonald 1978
Sandra Kong 1977	Cindy Breakspeare 1976

from Missjamaicaworld.com

21 Famous Jamaicans

List of famous people born in Jamaica, or whose parents were originally from Jamaica.

Bob Marley (Musician)

Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician.He was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands The Wailers (1964–1974) and Bob Marley & the Wailers (1974–1981).Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited for helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement.

Usain Bolt (Athlete)

Usain St. Leo Bolt, C.D. born August, 21 1986, is a Jamaican sprinter and a three-time Olympic gold medalist.He holds the world record for the 100 metres, the 200 metres and, along with his teammates, the 4×100 metres relay. He also holds the Olympic record for all three of these races.At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bolt became the first man to win three sprinting events at a single Olympics since Carl Lewis in 1984, and the first man to set world records in all three at a single Olympics.In 2009 he became the first man to hold the 100 and 200 m world and Olympic titles at the same time.

Sean Kingston (Musician)

Sean Kingston, is an American-born Jamaican reggae fusion singer and rapper. Kingston was born 1990 in Miami, Florida, and raised in Kingston, Jamaica.In early 2009, Kingston released the lead single from his sophomore album. The single, “I’m At War” featuring Lil Wayne, was a “promo single”. In April, 2009, Kingston released the official lead single from his sophomore album.”Fire Burning” was released on April 24, 2009, and has peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Canibus (Musician)

Germaine Williams, better known by his stage name Canibus, is an American rapper. He is a part of supergroup The HRSMN.He was born in Jamaica in 1974. His father, Basil Williams, is a former Jamaican cricketer.The family moved frequently, living in The Bronx, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Buffalo, and Montreal due to his mother’s career requiring constant relocation

Shaggy (Musician)

Orville Richard Burrell born October 22, 1968, Kingston, Jamaica, better known by his stage name Shaggy, is a Grammy-nominated Jamaican-American reggae singer.He takes his nickname from Scooby-Doo’s companion, a nickname given to him by his friends during his teenage years because his name bore a similarity to the Scooby Doo character.He is especially notable for his distinctive sub-baritone voice. Speaking on ‘This Morning’ on August 27, 2008, Burrell states the name Shaggy is a reference to his then hairstyle.

Busta Rhymes (Musician)

Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known as Busta Rhymes born May 20, 1972 is a Grammy-nominated American rapper, songwriter, and actor.Smith was born in East Flatbush, Brooklyn to Jamaican parents Cherry Green and Trevor Smith, Sr.Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the name Busta Rhymes (from former NFL wide receiver George “Buster” Rhymes).

Biggie Smalls (Musician)

Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), popularly known as Biggie Smalls and his primary stage name The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper.Wallace was the only child to Voletta Wallace, a Jamaican pre-school teacher, and George Latore, a welder and small-time Jamaican politician.His father left the family when Wallace was two years old, leaving his mother to work two jobs while raising him.On March 9, 1997, Wallace was killed by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. His double-disc set Life After Death, released fifteen days later, hit #1 on the U.S. album charts and was certified Diamond in 2000.

Sean Paul (Musician)

Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques born January 9, 1973, simply known as Sean Paul, is a Jamaican ragga and hip hop musician.Sean Paul was born in Kingston, Jamaica and spent his early years “comfortably” in Upper Saint Andrew Parish, a few miles north of his birthplace.His parents, Garth and Frances, were both talented athletes, and his mother is a well-known painter.The newest Sean Paul album entitled “Imperial Blaze” was released on August 18, 2009. The lead single, “So Fine”, which was produced by Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, premiered on Sean Paul’s official website on April, 2009

Asafa Powell (Athlete)

Asafa Powell C.D born November 23, 1982 is a Jamaican sprinter who specialises in the 100 meters. He held the 100 m world record between June 2005 and May 2008, with times of 9.77 and 9.74 seconds respectively.Powell has consistently broken the 10 second barrier in competition, with his personal best of 9.72 s being the fourth fastest time in the history of the event.He won a gold medal and set the world and Olympic record in the 4 × 100 metres relay with the Jamaican team in Beijing. At the 2007 Osaka World Championships he won a bronze and a silver medal in the 100 m and 4 x 100 m relay respectively and he has been successful at the Commonwealth Games, winning two gold and one silver medal.At the 2009 World Championship he again achieved a Bronze medal in the 100 m and Gold in the 4 x 100 m. Powell has won at the IAAF World Athletics Final five times and is the 100 m record holder for the event.

Carla Campbell (Model)

Carla Campbell born 1981 in Jamaica is a fashion model represented by IMG in New York.She received her most widespread exposure appearing in the 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, being the first model from the Caribbean to appear in the highly popular edition.She is the only the second model from the Caribbean to shoot for Victoria’s Secret!

Patrick Ewing (Athlete)

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Patrick Aloysius Ewing excelled at cricket and soccer. He was 11 years old when he arrived in the United States with his family, settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He learned to play basketball at Cambridge Rindge and Latin.Ewing was born August 5, 1962 is an American retired Hall of Fame basketball player and current assistant coach for the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic.He played most of his career with the NBA’s New York Knicks as their starting center and played briefly with the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic.He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on September 5, 2008 along with former NBA coach Pat Riley and former Houston Rockets center, Hakeem Olajuwon. His number 33 was retired by the Knicks in 2003.

Naomi Campbell (Model)

Campbell was born in Streatham, London, England. Her mother, Valerie Campbell (née Morris), is a former ballet dancer of Afro-Jamaican descent.The high point of Campbell’s career was in the early 1990s, when she was part of the two major “supermodel” powerhouses: the Big Six, alongside Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Kate Moss, and The Trinity, alongside Turlington and Evangelista.Campbell is signed to IMG Models (New York City), Storm Model Management (London), Marilyn Agency (Paris), and D’management Group (Milan).

Colin Powell (Politician)

Colin Luther Powell was born on April 5, 1937 in Harlem, a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan to Jamaican immigrant parents Luther Theophilus Powell and Maud Arial McKoy.Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001-2005), serving under President George W. Bush.He was the first African American appointed to that position. During his military career, Powell also served as National Security Advisor (1987–1989), as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Army Forces Command (1989) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Gulf War.He was the first, and so far the only, African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Ziggy Marley (Musician)

David Nesta “Ziggy” Marley born October 17, 1968, Trenchtown, Jamaica is a four time Grammy-winning Jamaican musician and leader of the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.He is the oldest son of Rita and Bob Marley, the roots reggae singer.In 1979, Ziggy and his siblings, Cedella, Stephen and Sharon made their recording debut with their father, “Children Playing in the Streets”.The Melody Makers, as the group came to be known, played occasionally for several years, including at their father’s funeral in 1981. Ziggy had become politically active by this time, working with the United Nations and creating a record label called Ghetto Youths Crew. A solo album, Dragonfly was released on April 15, 2003. On July 2, 2006, his second solo album, Love Is My Religion, was released on his independent record company Tuff Gong Worldwide. He is listed as the featured artist on Donna Summer’s song, “Crayons,” the title track from her 2008 album. Marley went on tour with 311 in July 2009.

Elephant Man (Musician)

Elephant Man, also known as the Energy God, (born O’Neil Bryan on September 11, 1977, in Kingston, Jamaica) is a dancehall musician.His stagename stemmed from his large ears, which led to the nickname Dumbo in his youth. Ele started out his musical career as a member of the Scare Dem Crew, later continuing as a solo artist.He was later characterized for several trademarks, such as his dyed yellow-orange hair, his unique low-key voice, and his stage performance, which included jumping and running, or even climbing on stage props and monitors. His acoustic trademark is marked by a light lisp.

Jamaican Bobsled Team

The Jamaican Bobsled Team first gained fame during their debut in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are also well known from their portrayal in the 1993 film Cool Runnings, based on their exploits in the Winter Olympics.Two Americans were largely responsible for the founding of the Jamaican Bobsled Team. George B. Fitch and William Maloney had family and business ties to Jamaica and after witnessing a pushcart derby they realized that it was very similar to bobsledding. Since bobsledding requires a fast start, Maloney and Fitch decided to use sprinters, who are plentiful on the island nation of Jamaica. They originally tried to recruit Olympic-class sprinters, but no one was interested, so they presented their idea to Colonel Ken Barnes of the Jamaican military.The first four members of the Jamaican bobsled team were: Devon Harris, a lieutenant in the Second Battalion, Jamaican Army Dudley Stokes, a captain from the JDF Air Wing Michael White, a private in the National Reserves Samuel Clayton, a railway engineer They were coached by New York native Howard Siler, of Malone, New York.

Christopher “Kid” Reid (Actor/Musician)

Christopher Reid born April 5, 1964, formerly known as Kid is an American actor, comedian, and former rapper.Reid was born in The Bronx, New York City, to a Jamaican father and an Irish mother. He graduated from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science in 1982. He also graduated from Lehman College in the Bronx.He is best known as one-half of late-1980s/early-1990s hip hop musical act Kid ‘n Play with fellow rapper/actor Christopher “Play” Martin. Reid was particularly notable for his extreme hi-top fade hairstyle. Reid has appeared on a number of television programs, including Martin and Sister, Sister, and has also served as the host of amateur contest shows such as Your Big Break and It’s Showtime at the Apollo.Reid’s most recent musical contribution has been to HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher; he wrote the theme song. He also appeared on the VH1 reality magician game show Celebracadabra in 2008.

Alicia Keys (Musician)

Alicia Keys was born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in the Hell’s Kitchen area of Manhattan, in New York City, New York.She is the daughter and only child of Irish-Italian mother Teresa Augello, a paralegal and part-time actress, and Jamaican father Craig Cook, a flight attendant.Keys released her first studio album, Songs in A Minor, in June 2001. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 236,000 copies in its first week. The album sold over 6.2 million copies in the United States.It went on to sell over 12 million copies worldwide, establishing Keys’ popularity both inside and outside the United States, where she became the best-selling new artist and best-selling R&B artist of 2001. Keys signed a film production deal in 2009 to develop live-action and animated projects with Disney. Their first film will be a remake of the 1958 comedy Bell, Book and Candle and will star Keys as a witch who casts a love spell to lure a rival’s fiancé.

Heavy D (Musician)

Dwight Errington Myers was born on May 24, 1967, in Jamaica. His family moved to Mount Vernon, New York, when he was a young child.Heavy D is the stage name of Myers, an American rapper and former leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, a hip hop group which included G-Whiz (Glen Parrish), “Trouble” T. Roy (Troy Dixon), and Eddie F (born Edward Ferrell).The group maintained a sizable audience in the United States through most of the 1990s. He has recently ventured into reggae music and can now be described as a reggae fusion artist.Heavy D has now released a new reggae album via itunes, called Vibes & reportedly has a son who is currently releasing mix tapes as a rapper.

Lyriq Bent (Actor)

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica…Lyriq Bent is an actor, best known for his portrayal as SWAT Team Leader Rigg in Saw II, Saw III and Saw IV.After graduating college with high honors, Lyriq Bent originally began his career as a computer graphic technician.Bent’s plans, however, were short lived as he decided to take up acting on a dare. Since then, he has had numerous film and television appearances.

Lisa Hanna (Miss World 1993)

Lisa Hanna was the third Jamaican to win the Miss World title. She won the title in 1993 in Sun City, South Africa at 18 years old. Hanna had a small role in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and she has hosted the popular Jamaican talk show, Our Voices.Lisa migrated to the U.S. in 2004 to pursue a career in broadcasting and was a guest presenter on the entertainment show Xtra. During June 2007, she was catapulted into the public’s eyes again when the ruling political party, Peoples National Party announced her as a candidate for key constituency for the country’s next general election which is constitutionally due in October 2007.On September 3, 2007, Lisa Hanna went on to win the South Eastern St. Ann constituency by 2678 votes over the JLP’s Peter Fakhourie  Article from: Jamaicacoffee.net    Follow @crazyjamaica